SMSF accreditation now easier for dealer groups

Dealer groups wanting to increase their advisers’ knowledge of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSF) can now access a streamlined SMSF association membership and accreditation process.

The Self-Managed Super Fund Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA) has launched a trimmed-down version of its SMSF Specialist Advisor accreditation in response to demand from dealer groups such as Count Financial and NAB Financial Planning.

SPAA chief executive Andrea Slattery said the association strongly supported raising the SMSF knowledge and qualifications of advisers, and was keen to help financial planning dealer groups achieve this.

“Our streamlined SPAA membership process for dealer groups focuses on enabling individual professional financial advisers to become members and then go through the SPAA Specialist accreditation program,” Slattery said.

Count Financial senior executive advice Dean Bornor said Count had a strong presence in the SMSF sector, which it was looking to build through SPAA membership.

NAB Financial Planning head of practice management Paul Fog said the group served a diverse group of clients, including high-net-worth and self-employed individuals, who often have complex SMSF needs.

“It is important for this group of clients that we can offer access to highly skilled SMSF specialists,” he said.